The streets are alive as Mandela steps back into the political battle

Hero. Unifier. Healer. Savior. Could any one man -- let alone one who has been cut off from the flow of daily life for more than 27 years -- live up to such billing? Nelson Mandela did not disappoint last week as he walked out of 10,000 days in prison right into the thick of South African politics.

He seemed a man for all seasons.

The revolutionary man: "The factors which necessitated the armed struggle still exist today."

The public servant: "I stand here before you not as a prophet, but as a humble servant of you, the people."